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EU envoys greenlight extension of economic sanctions against Russia for another six months

In 2014, the European Union slapped sanctions on Russia over the events in Ukraine and Crimea’s reunification with Russia

© EPA-EFE/OLIVIER HOSLET/POOL

BRUSSELS, June 30. /TASS/. Ambassadors of EU member-countries approved on Wednesday the extension of sectoral economic sanctions against Russia until January 31, with the formal decision of the European Council at the level of heads of foreign ministries to be delivered on July 12, a source in the European foreign service told TASS. The political decision on extension of restrictions was made on June 24 at the EU summit in Brussels.

"EU ambassadors approved on Wednesday the decision on another extension of economic sanctions [against Russia]. The final decision should be taken by foreign ministers on July 12 [at planned meeting of European Council in Brussels]," the source said.

The EU’s economic sanctions against Russia are extended every six months — until July 31 and January 31.

In 2014, the European Union slapped sanctions on Russia over the events in Ukraine and Crimea’s reunification with Russia. Since then, these sanctions have been repeatedly extended and prolonged. Talks on the cancellation of visas and a new basic agreement on cooperation were put on hold, some Russian officials were prohibited from visiting EU countries and their assets were frozen. In addition, trading, financial and military restrictions were introduced. In response, Moscow banned food imports from EU states.

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